Tent with window having an internal shelf

ABSTRACT

A tent having window shelf that extends into a tent from the bottom of a window opening. The shelf may be formed, for example, by an inner covering of the window. The inner covering may include an outer support such as a pole so that it may maintain its configuration when folded down, and a fabric strip or other structure for maintaining the inner covering in a horizontal position so that it may serve as a shelf. A clasp or a plurality of clasps may be provided for attaching an inner covering of a tent window and permitting the inner covering to drape over the opening for the window without completely closing the opening.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/794,845, filed Mar. 5, 2004, and is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tents are portable shelters made of lightweight, often waterproof,fabrics. Typically, a tent is a collapsible shelter of canvas or othermaterial stretched over and sustained by a frame. Tents are used forcamping outdoors, or as temporary structures. Tents come in a variety ofshapes, including dome and cabin tents.

One problem with contemporary tents is that they very often lackstorage. For the most part, a tent includes walls and a floor, andanything stored in the tent must be kept on the floor. Placing items onthe floor can create clutter, and may result in damage if a user stepson or kicks an item on the floor.

Some tents have pouches or pockets mounted on the inside of the wallsfor the tent. In addition, some family or cabin style tents include agrommet or another attachment structure to which a hanging organizer maybe attached. Although these prior are solutions provide some storageoptions, there exists a need for additional storage in a tent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with an embodiment, a clasp or a plurality of clasps areprovided for attaching an inner covering of a tent window and permittingthe inner covering to drape over the opening for the window withoutcompletely closing the opening. This feature permits the inner coveringto block a large portion of the window, restricting the ability ofanyone outside the tent to see into the tent, but still allows thewindow to provide ventilation.

In accordance with an embodiment, the inner covering is connected bytoggle and loop fasteners. However, other clasps or connectionmechanisms may be used. If desired, a screen may also be provided forthe window opening and the inner covering may partially cover thescreen.

Other features of the invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, inwhich:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a tent incorporating an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an inside of a window for the tentof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the window of FIG. 2, with thewindow partially opened;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the window of FIGS. 2 and 3, withthe window fully opened to a shelf configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the window of FIG. 4, with a screenfor the window unzipped; and

FIG. 6 is a side cut-away view of the window shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment beingdescribed.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a tent20 embodying the present invention. The tent 20 shown in the drawings isa “dome” style tent, although features of the invention may be used indifferent models of tents, whether dome, free standing, cabin, or othermodels. Thus, although described with reference to the tent 20, theinvention may be utilized with many different tent structures and couldbe used in fabric structures other than tents, such as shelters.

The tent 20 includes a door 22 and a window opening 24. Briefly, inaccordance with an embodiment, the window opening 24 is configured andarranged so that it may be altered between a closed window position,shown in FIG. 2, to a shelf position, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Also, inaccordance with another embodiment, clasps are provided that may holdthe window 24 in a partially open configuration, as shown in FIG. 3.Each of these embodiments is further described below.

The window opening 24 in the drawings is shaped like a semi-circle, butother configurations of a window may be used. The window opening 24includes an outer window covering 26, as can be seen in FIG. 1. Theouter window covering 26 is attached to the tent 20 by a zipper 28, inthe embodiment shown having two zipper pulls 30, 32. A flap 33 extendsover the zipper 28 to provide rain protection.

As can be see in FIG. 2, the window opening 24 is also covered by aninner covering 34. The inner covering 34 is attached to the tent 20 by azipper 36 having a zipper pull 38.

Turning now to FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment, clasps 40 areprovided for holding the inner covering 34 in a partially openedposition. In the embodiment shown, the clasps 40 include toggles 42attached above the window opening 24 and loops 44 attached at the upperedge of the inner covering 34. Other clasps may be used, for example,ties, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, clips, clamps, or otherdevices that can be used to connect and space a portion of the innercovering 34 from a portion of the perimeter of the window opening 24.

In the embodiment shown, three clasps 40 are used. However, any numberfrom one to more than three may be used to connect and space a portionof the inner covering 34 from a portion of the perimeter of the windowopening 24.

The clasps, such as the clasps 40, may be utilized to provide partialventilation through the window opening 24 but still position the innercovering 34 so that most views through the window opening 24 areblocked. For many prior art tents, if an individual desires to be insidethe tent for any purpose, such as changing clothes or resting, anddoesn't want people outside the tent to see into the tent, an innercovering 34 or other window cover must be zipped closed. This closing ofthe window opening 24 blocks air ventilation through the window opening24. However, the clasps 40 of the present invention, because they keepthe inner covering 34 attached yet separated from the perimeter of thewindow opening 24, still provide ventilation around and over theperimeter of the inner covering 34 but also permit the inner covering 34to restrict viewing into the tent.

The clasps 40 may be used with any window having a covering. As anexample, a window may have a screen and an inner covering (such as, butnot limited to, the inner covering 34) with clasps, such as the clasps40. In general, however, the clasps are useful when another mechanism isused to close the inner covering, such as a zipper. In this manner, theclasps serve as an alternate for supporting the inner covering. However,in accordance with an alternate embodiment, the zipper or other primaryclosure mechanism may be utilized in conjunction with the clasps, forexample by attaching the clasps to the zipper.

In accordance with an embodiment, the inner covering 34 may be foldeddown to the position shown in FIG. 4 so that the inner covering 34 actsas a shelf. To assure a stable surface, a structure may be provided thatmaintains the shape of the inner covering 34 when the inner covering 34is folded down to the position of FIG. 4. In the embodiment shown, asemi-circular pole 46 is mounted along an outer edge of the innercovering 34. As further described below, the pole 46 is preferablymounted after setting up the tent 20 so that the pole 46 does notinterfere with folding and storage of the tent 20. The pole 46 extendsthrough a sleeve 48 on the top edge of the inner covering 34, and isseated in fabric sockets 50, 52 at the outer edges of the base of theinner covering 34. Another suitable structure may be provided forattaching the pole 46. In addition, other structures may be arranged toprovide structure for the inner covering 34, such as additional oralternate poles. As an example, a series of poles may extend radially toprovide support for the inner covering 34. In addition, a series ofpoles may extend vertically along the back of the inner covering 34.

In an embodiment, screens 54, 56 extend between the upper edge of thewindow opening 24 and the upper edge of the inner covering 34 and acentrally-located fabric strip 58 when the inner covering 34 is in thelowered position shown in FIG. 4. The screens 54, 56 provide protectionfrom bugs and other insects, and are attached along the fabric strip 58by zippers 60 and along the outer edge of the inner covering 34 byadditional zippers 62. Zipper pulls 64, 66 are provided for each of thezippers 60, 62, respectively. During operation, a user may grasp thezipper pulls 64, 66 and unzip the zippers 60, 62 so that the screens 54,56 are detached from the fabric strip 58 and the inner covering 34. Thescreens 54, 56 may then be tied back, for example by straps 70 (FIG. 5).

The fabric strip 58 extends from a top of the window opening 24 to anouter edge of the inner covering 34, and provides support for the innercovering 34 when in the position of FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, the fabricstrip 58 is in tension and is supported at its upper end by itsattachment to the upper edge of the window opening 24. When the innercovering 34 is in the lowered position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, thefabric strip 58 is in tension, and prevents further rotation downward ofthe outer portion of the inner covering 34. In this manner, the fabricstrip 58 and the inner covering 34 provide a supported shelf thatextends horizontally. If desired, other structures may be used forsupporting the inner covering 34 in the horizontal configuration.However, the particular embodiment described is convenient in that thefabric strip 58 may be folded between the inner covering 34 and theouter window covering 26 when the inner covering 34 is completelyclosed, as can be see in phantom in FIG. 2. In addition, the fabricstrip 34, because it is made of fabric, is easily folded with the restof the tent 20 for storage or transportation.

In accordance with an embodiment, the outer window covering 26 includesadditional zipper pulls 76, 78 (FIG. 5) for unzipping the zipper 28 andthat are accessible from the inside of the tent 20. These zipper pulls76, 78 may be reached, for example, when the screens 54, 56 are in thefolded configurations shown in FIG. 5.

In practice, a user sets up the tent 20. If the user previously closedthe inner covering 34 on the last use, the inner covering 34 will be inthe configuration shown in FIG. 2. The user may then unzip the zipper 36and lower the inner covering 34 to the position shown in FIG. 4. At thistime, the inner covering 34 will not have significant structuralsupport. The pole 46 may be inserted to provide this support. Forexample, the pole 46 may be inserted through the sleeve 48, and into afirst one of the fabric sockets 50, 52, and then may be tensioned andinserted into the second of the fabric sockets 50, 52. Thus, the pole 46is placed in tension, and holds the outer portion of the inner covering34 into position.

As described above, the fabric strip 58 prevents further rotationdownward of the inner covering 34, and thus the pole 46, the innercovering 34, and the fabric strip 58 provide a horizontally positionedshelf within the tent 20. A user inside the tent 20 may access the shelfby unzipping the zippers 60, 62 on the screens 54, 56. Unzipping thescreens 54, 56 exposes the shelf as is shown in FIG. 5. A user also thenhas access to the zipper pulls 76, 78, which the user may use to openthe outer window covering 26. The outer window covering 26 may be laidflat against the top of the inner covering 34, as is shown in FIG. 6, ormay be rolled downward and out of the way. After the outer windowcovering 26 has been opened, the user may again close the screens 54,56, to provide insect protection for the inside of the tent 20. As such,ventilation for the tent 20 is provided through the window opening 24.

When the outer window covering 26 is opened, a user has access to theshelf provided by the inner covering 34 from outside the tent 20. Theuser may place an item on the shelf so that it may later be grabbed bythe user while in the tent 20, or may be grabbed by another user alreadyin the tent. If the outer window covering 26 is closed, the user outsidethe tent may grab the zipper pulls 30, 32 and open it so as to gainaccess to the shelf.

In accordance with an embodiment, pouches 80, 82, 84 are provided on theouter surface of the inner covering 34. These pouches provide storagefor items, such as watches and other small, valuable items. The pouchesare arranged in an upright manner when the inner covering 34 is in theposition shown in FIG. 2, and in a horizontal manner, under the innercovering 34, when the inner covering 34 is in the position shown inFIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. A tent, comprising: a window opening having a perimeter; an innercovering; a closure mechanism for closing the inner covering over atleast part of the window opening; and at least one clasp arranged andconfigured to support and space a portion of the inner covering from aportion of the perimeter of the window opening.
 2. The tent of claim 1,wherein said at least one clasp comprises: a toggle mounted on one ofthe inner covering and a position on the tent adjacent the windowopening; and a loop mounted on the other of the inner covering and theposition, the loop being configured to fit over the toggle.
 3. The tentof claim 1, wherein said at least one clasp comprises at least threetoggles, each mounted on one of the inner covering or adjacent thewindow opening, and at least three loops, each mounted on the other ofthe inner covering and adjacent the window opening and being configuredto fit over a respective toggle.
 4. The tent of claim 1, wherein theclosure mechanism comprises a zipper.
 5. A tent, comprising: a windowopening; an inner covering; a first closure mechanism for closing theinner covering over at least a portion of the window opening; and asecond closure mechanism configured and arranged to support and space aportion of the inner covering from a portion of the perimeter of thewindow opening so that the inner covering may serve as a drape for atleast a portion of the window opening.
 6. The tent of claim 5, whereinthe second closure mechanism comprises: a toggle mounted on one of theinner covering and a position on the tent adjacent the window opening;and a loop mounted on the other of the inner covering and the position,the loop being configured to fit over the toggle.
 7. The tent of claim5, wherein the second closure mechanism comprises at least threetoggles, each mounted on one of the inner covering and adjacent thewindow opening, and at least three loops, each mounted on the other ofthe inner covering and adjacent the window opening and being configuredto fit over a respective toggle.
 8. The tent of claim 5, wherein thefirst closure mechanism comprises a zipper.
 9. A tent, comprising: awindow opening; an inner covering; a closure mechanism for closing theinner covering over the window opening; and at least one clasp arrangedand configured to drape the inner covering over at least a portion ofthe window opening.
 10. The tent of claim 9, wherein said at least oneclasp comprises: a toggle mounted on one of the inner covering and aposition on the tent adjacent the window opening; and a loop mounted onthe other of the inner covering and the position, the loop beingconfigured to fit over the toggle.
 11. The tent of claim 9, wherein saidat least one clasp comprises at least three toggles, each mounted on oneof the inner covering or adjacent the window opening, and at least threeloops, each mounted on the other of the inner covering and adjacent thewindow opening and being configured to fit over a respective toggle. 12.The tent of claim 9, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper.